Sandy M’s review of Long Time Gone (Rough Riders, Book 16.5) by Lorelei James
Contemporary Romance published by LJLA 13 Jun 15
I’m a bit behind in reading this latest book in the Rough Riders series. Makes me wish I haven’t quite read all the books to date, because each time I revisit these characters and realize the series is nearly at an end, I’d still like to have a few stories to go so I can enjoy this family that much longer. With this novella we follow Cal and Kimi McCay through their unusual courtship.
Kimi is in town for her sister’s wedding to Cal’s brother. She’s only sixteen, but she’s full of sass and adventure. Cal is drawn to her immediately, but due to her age he backs off after a few kisses. Then he lets her go. Kimi has so much to experience, and he loves her enough to make sure she lives a bit of life before settling down. So he sticks it out at the ranch, preparing a home for her when she’s ready to come back to him.
The story takes places over about a seven-year time span. They exchange letters as Kimi moves from place to place following her dreams and becoming the woman she’s meant to be, which is a very different woman if she’d gone straight to Cal when she turned eighteen. So you have to give the man credit for his foresight. Not many men who would do that, but Cal is confident in their love and can wait for the life he knows they’ll eventually have. Seeing the differences between the sisters and the brothers is something that’s been needed in the series. Cal is more laid back and does have a mind of his own, not following Carson’s ideas or demands blindly. Both Kimi and Carolyn had it rough growing up, and their family don’t cotton to the McKays at all. They looked out for each other, supported each other, and did what they had to do to be happy.
Once Kimi’s back, the fireworks explode between them. Lorelei James is one of the best in the business when it comes to characters makin’ love, and even in this shorter book, she makes sure the reader is left sizzlin’ and smokin’ hot. You have no doubt when all is said and done that these two love each other to no end and it’s definitely a love that was worth waiting for.
Grade: A
Summary:
The right love is worth the wait…
Calvin McKay can’t understand his twin brother’s rush toward the altar–until he lays eyes on the bride’s younger sister. But she’s far too innocent for him to pursue…and yet something about that little blonde tornado gets his blood pumping and his heart all twisted up.
Kimi West is used to boys chasing after by her, but Cal McKay is a man–all man–and his hot kisses are like nothing she’s ever experienced. But he’s a rancher, tied to the land, and she can’t wait for the day she can escape from Wyoming and see the world.
After a tragedy sends Kimi running from her family, Cal gives Kimi a place to stay–and oh so many tantalizing reasons to stay–while she sorts out her plans. Now she’ll have to decide whether the adventure she wants is in a new frontier or right there by Cal’s side.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
